How Dental Sealants Can Help in the Fight Against Tooth Decay

Posted March 1, 2016.

Brushing and flossing daily is imperative for gaining and upholding ideal oral health. However, even with proper brushing and flossing, it is difficult to remove all of the plaque and food particles from the crevices and crannies of the back teeth. That’s where dental sealants come into play! Dental sealant is a thin coating of a resinous material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants prevent decay by sealing out plaque and food.

Who Can Benefit from Sealants?Children and teens should have dental sealants placed on their premolars and permanent molars as they come in. If this is done, the sealants can help protect their teeth through the cavity-prone ages of 6 to 14. Adults with no decay or fillings in their molars are also candidates for dental sealants. In some situations, our dentist in Allen, Texas, may also recommend dental sealants for baby teeth. If a child has deep grooves in their teeth, sealants can help protect them. Baby teeth hold the correct spacing for the permanent teeth, so it is important to keep them healthy so they are not lost too early.

How Long Will Dental Sealants Last?Dental sealants can protect your teeth or your child’s teeth for up to 10 years. Our dentist will examine your dental sealants for chips and wear at your regular dental check-ups. Our dentist can easily replace dental sealants when needed.

To learn more about dental sealants and to schedule your next appointment with our dentist, we welcome you to contact our dental office today.